Koval Cocktail

1 September

Summer is in its final stage and I wanted to celebrate with a simple cocktail that evoked the mood of the last remaining months. This prohibition-era classic has bright, crisp flavors that perhaps was originally intended to mask the harshness of inferior gin. Fast forward to present day and this cocktail still makes for smooth sipping. In fact, it’s often billed as the gin drink for non-gin drinkers. Adding just a touch of sage highlights the floral notes of the honey without ever compromising the spirit of this timeless beverage.

When it came to selecting the starring alcohol, I decided to go with Koval. Not only is it a beautifully designed bottle, but it’s also a Chicago-based distillery that produces organic whiskey, liqueurs, and specialty spirits. Each step of their process is thoughtfully monitored, beginning with contracting local farmers to grow the grain, which then leads to on-site milling and mashing, over to distilling and packaging. What’s not to love about that?

1.) To make the honey sage syrup, combine honey, water, and sage leaves in a medium sauce pan over high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to low and stir constantly until honey is completely dissolved, about 1 minute. Remove from heat completely and let cool for 30 minutes.